That sounds like an amazing trip! A 7-day motorbike tour starting and ending in Kochi can perfectly cover the highlights of Kerala: the historic coast, the misty hill stations, and the tranquil backwaters. Here is a popular itinerary for an unforgettable 7-day motorbike adventure. This itinerary balances exhilarating mountain rides with relaxing coastal and backwater stops.
| Day | Start | End | Approx. Distance | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kochi | Athirappilly | 75 km | Short ride to get accustomed to the bike, magnificent Athirappilly Waterfalls. |
| 2 | Athirappilly | Munnar | 140 km | Scenic ride through forests and ghats, Cheeyappara & Valara Waterfalls. |
| 3 | Munnar | Munnar | 80 km (Loop) | Ride through tea gardens, Eravikulam National Park (Nilgiri Tahr), Mattupetty Dam. |
| 4 | Munnar | Thekkady (Periyar) | 95 km | Journey through spice plantations, mountain views, and Thekkady's spice town. |
| 5 | Thekkady | Alleppey | 140 km | Descent from the hills to the backwaters, traditional Keralan village life. |
| 6 | Alleppey | Fort Kochi | 60 km | Easy ride along the coast, Houseboat/backwater cruise, beach sunset. |
| 7 | Fort Kochi | Kochi (Departure) | 20 km | Explore historic Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets, and final transfer. |
| Total Approx. | 610 km |
• Morning: Arrive in Kochi, complete bike formalities, and do a quick ride-check/test drive.
• Afternoon: Start your ride towards Athirappilly. This is a short, easy ride designed for you to get comfortable with the bike and local traffic.
• Evening: Visit the majestic Athirappilly Waterfalls, often called the "Niagara of India." Check into your accommodation near the falls.
• Morning: This is the beginning of the thrilling hill ride. The route winds through the lower Western Ghats.
• En Route: Stop to see the Cheeyappara and Valara Waterfalls. The scenery will transform from rubber plantations to lush green tea estates as you gain altitude.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Munnar, the famous hill station known for its expansive tea plantations. Check into your hotel or resort.
• Morning: Ride up to Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai) to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
• Afternoon: Visit the scenic spots: Mattupetty Dam (for views or optional boating), Echo Point, and the Tea Museum to learn about the tea-making process.
• Evening: Enjoy a walk through the tea plantations or relax and enjoy the cool mountain air.
• Morning: Enjoy the stunning mountain roads one last time as you ride from Munnar to Thekkady (the town near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary).
• En Route: The route is famous for its spice plantations. Stop for a guided tour of a cardamom, pepper, or cinnamon plantation.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Thekkady. You can opt for an Elephant Ride or a traditional Kalaripayattu (martial art) show.
• Evening: Take a boat safari on Periyar Lake in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for a chance to spot wild animals.
• Morning: Begin your descent from the high ranges down to the coastal plains. This is a contrast of scenery from forests and hills to paddy fields and coconut groves.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Alleppey (Alappuzha), the heart of the Kerala Backwaters.
• Evening: Check into a hotel/resort or opt for a magical overnight stay on a traditional Houseboat (highly recommended for the true backwater experience).
• Morning: Enjoy the tranquil backwaters. If you didn't stay on a houseboat, take a short village canoe ride to see the local life up close.
• Late Morning: Start the short, easy ride back north along the coast to Fort Kochi.
• Afternoon: Explore the historic peninsula: Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church (Vasco da Gama's original burial site), Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), and the quaint streets of the Jewish Quarter.
• Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast and perhaps some last-minute souvenir shopping in Fort Kochi.
• Late Morning: Ride from Fort Kochi back to the bike rental location/hotel near the airport, or complete your transfer for departure.
